Human Resources Business Partner

Churchill Downs Incorporated; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, KY seeks an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to provide day-to-day HR support across both properties. You will partner with leaders to deliver practical HR services, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, payroll and benefits coordination, and leave administration.

Success relies on sound judgment, operational excellence, and a visible presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive HR experience supporting a fast-paced operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience across talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and Human Resources operations.
• Experience supporting salaried, hourly, seasonal, part-time, and union-represented employees.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day HR support across Churchill Downs Racetrack and Trackside.
• Partner with leaders to execute HR programs, policies, and services.
• Coordinate full-cycle talent acquisition, onboarding, and offboarding for diverse staff.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, and leave administration with Corporate HR.
• Support payroll, benefits coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain HR records and drive process improvements.

Skills

Business acumen

Emotional intelligence

Relationship building

Process orientation

Employee relations

Communication

Organization skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / related field

SHRM-CP or PHR certification

Job description

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Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility . www.ChurchillDowns.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The Human Resources Business Partner provides day-to-day Human Resources support across Churchill Downs Racetrack and Trackside, partnering with leaders and employees to deliver practical, responsive Human Resources services that support business operations.

This role executes core Human Resources functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding and offboarding, employee relations, performance management, payroll and benefits coordination, leave administration, compliance, and Human Resources operations. Working closely with the Senior Director, Human Resources and Corporate Human Resources, the Human Resources Business Partner helps ensure consistent execution of enterprise programs, policies, and services.

Success in this role is built on sound judgment, operational excellence, exceptional customer service, and a visible presence across both properties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Partnership

• Partner with department leaders to provide responsive day-to-day Human Resources support that promotes consistent application of Human Resources programs, policies, and practices.
• Build trusted relationships through a visible, responsive presence across Churchill Downs Racetrack and Trackside while partnering with the Senior Director, Human Resources on complex or high-risk matters.

Talent Acquisition & Employee Experience

• Coordinate the full-cycle recruiting process, including job postings, candidate communications, interview scheduling, offers, pre-employment requirements, onboarding and offboarding.
• Coordinate seasonal hiring initiatives that support spring and fall live racing meets.
• Partner with hiring managers and Corporate talent acquisition to support timely hiring while delivering a positive candidate experience
• Conduct onboarding and offboarding activities to ensure a seamless employee experience.
• Support employee engagement, recognition, and hiring events.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Serve as the primary Human Resources resource for routine employee relations matters, including attendance, corrective action, and performance management.
• Conduct routine workplace investigations, fact-finding, and documentation while partnering with the Senior Director on complex matters.
• Coordinate the administration of FMLA and other protected leaves of absence in partnership with Corporate Human Resources.
• Partner with the Security team to support workers' compensation administration, return-to-work coordination, and employee case management.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, employment laws, and Human Resources practices.

HR Operations

• Partner with Corporate Payroll to administer payroll, benefits, leave management, and enterprise Human Resources programs.
• Maintain Human Resources records, systems, and data integrity while ensuring compliance with employment, payroll, benefits, leave administration, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve Human Resources processes and operational efficiency.
• Participate in a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and live racing and other major events.
• Other duties as assigned.

REGULATORY

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive Human Resources experience supporting a fast-paced operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience across talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and Human Resources operations.
• Experience supporting salaried, hourly, seasonal, part-time, and union-represented employees preferred.
• Experience in hospitality, entertainment, sports, gaming, manufacturing, or other operational environments preferred.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong business acumen and operational mindset.
• High emotional intelligence, objectivity, and sound judgment.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships through credibility and responsiveness.
• Process-oriented with a commitment to consistency and continuous improvement.
• Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communications, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Visible, approachable, and committed to exceptional service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software.
• Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing.
• Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds).
• Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
• Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation.
• Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting.
• Role is onsite five days a week at the Louisville, KY Churchill Downs Racetrack
• Work Environment: The incumbent primarily works in an office environment, however, is expected to attend Churchill Downs race days.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.